Jumping a 4yo ISH x Cob

[LincsHorseOwner]

Hi everyone, I would like some advice on jumping my 15hh 4yo ISH x cob. Some are saying I am ok to jump but only 2ft or cross poles & others are saying I shouldn't jump at all just yet... What are your thoughts? She's well built and mentally very mature. I weigh almost 7st so LW rider. She has been backed and ridden for almost 1yr now. I have already been jumping her over cross poles and 1.7ft and she really enjoys it but I don't want to continue if it is not good for her health... She is my everything! Thank you!

 

[dianchi]

Is she 4 now or rising 4?

If she is 4 going on 5 I see no reason for you not to be jumping and extending her knowledge.

If she is 3 rising 4 then I wouldn't be jumping till next spring.

 

[Wheels]

It would depend for me on how well balanced she is. I have a 4 yo (5 next year) who I decided not to jump this year as he was just not mature enough or well balanced enough in the school. We did however do trot and canter poles on the ground.

He is off now for winter but we will do some jumping next spring once his fitness levels are up

 

[LincsHorseOwner]

Hi

Thank you for your help.

She is 4 years and 1 month old. I have done lots of schooling with her and jump her over small jumps on the lunge too and she absolutely loves it but I don't want to continue if it will jeopardise her health - some people have commented and said I shouldn't be doing it but they are not people who I would say are extremely knowledgeable.

I usually know what she can comfortably manage and she tells me if something is wrong so I'm hoping I haven't been doing the wrong thing... She's the first youngster I've owned & she's come on so much since I got her so hopefully I am doing something right.

Thank you very much for your help x

 

[Suenomel]

Hi
I am jumping my 4 year old ISH once a week.

Our jumping is actually more advanced than our flatwork as he is a big horse and struggles to come on the bit, round himself on the flat but seems to know exactly what he has to do over jumps!

As a few others have mentioned, it really depends on your horse though as some can take it better than others. It would also depend on the frequency and what exactly you are asking! There are (jumping/eventing) competitions for 4 and 5 years old so theoretically, you are fine

 

[LincsHorseOwner]

It would depend for me on how well balanced she is. I have a 4 yo (5 next year) who I decided not to jump this year as he was just not mature enough or well balanced enough in the school. We did however do trot and canter poles on the ground.

He is off now for winter but we will do some jumping next spring once his fitness levels are up

Hi

When I first got her she was very unbalanced but after lots of schooling I'd say she's ok now... However I did notice yesterday after a little hack that she is bum high again so she's feeling a little unbalanced again - not much, but still. She is very mature and level-headed for her age and is very eager to please. I think I will not jump her again until the Spring and concentrate on schooling and hacking for the winter. I will try trot and canter poles on the ground too.

Thank you for your advice x

 

[LincsHorseOwner]

Hi
I am jumping my 4 year old ISH once a week.

Our jumping is actually more advanced than our flatwork as he is a big horse and struggles to come on the bit, round himself on the flat but seems to know exactly what he has to do over jumps!

As a few others have mentioned, it really depends on your horse though as some can take it better than others. It would also depend on the frequency and what exactly you are asking! There are (jumping/eventing) competitions for 4 and 5 years old so theoretically, you are fine

Hi

Thank you for your reply. That is very re-assuring!

We are just doing little cross poles and max 2ft but she's really enjoying it and I usually know if something is not right but she loves the jumping so much. How often would you say I should be jumping? I have been doing it once a week then concentrating on hacking, schooling and tackling her tiny little mischievous habits the rest of the time .

She has come on masses since I got her so hopefully I am doing something right but she's the first youngster I have had so I get confused when some people (the ones we see every day) say she is fine to jump and definitely ready then people who live far away from us say she's too young but they have never seen her in reality. I will take your advice and continue

Thank you x

 

[LincsHorseOwner]

Is she 4 now or rising 4?

If she is 4 going on 5 I see no reason for you not to be jumping and extending her knowledge.

If she is 3 rising 4 then I wouldn't be jumping till next spring.

Hi

Thank you for your help.

She is 4 years and 1 month old. I have done lots of schooling with her and jump her over small jumps on the lunge too and she absolutely loves it but I don't want to continue if it will jeopardise her health - some people have commented and said I shouldn't be doing it but they are not people who I would say are extremely knowledgeable.

I usually know what she can comfortably manage and she tells me if something is wrong so I'm hoping I haven't been doing the wrong thing... She's the first youngster I've owned & she's come on so much since I got her so hopefully I am doing something right.

Thank you very much for your help x

 

[Suenomel]

The thing is there is no right answer! Some people dont start jumping their horses until they are 6 while some top show jumpers are already out there doing 1m60 courses at 8! I would think your horse's conformation would have a lot to do with it but even then, some people at my stables, including the owners are strong believers in turning out their youngsters for the winter (so no riding whatsoever) and going back to work in the spring.

Personally i have never done that! (It doesnt mean it is the right decision for your horse).

You also mention loads of schooling while i was advised by a few reputable trainers inclduding John Smart (international Show Jumper and Eventer) to do very little schooling with my 4 year old while he grows in himself. He is really balanced but they have all advised that trying to school on a hack would be more beneficial than schooling in the arena and to avoid cantering in the school! ( i must admit my horse is 16.3 so the school feels small with him in and also explains why we are already jumping 80cm).

If you aren't confident jumping now is the best thing for your mare, postpone There is no harm done in waiting!

Good luck with her
xx